City launches first annual Brampton Book Week; celebrating storytelling, culture and community
Week-long community events and activities connect residents and visitors through storytelling and a shared love of reading
BRAMPTON, ON is announcing the launch of its first-ever Book Week. From April 23 to May 4, 2025, this new annual celebration showcases the power of storytelling and highlights the vibrant literary talent within the community.
This year, Brampton Book Week aligns with the 10th anniversary of the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) from April 27 to May 4 in Brampton, a major milestone for one of Canada’s most influential literary festivals.
Brampton Book Week invites the community to connect through the written and spoken word. Through engaging events and activities, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the power of storytelling and celebrate the voices that reflect Brampton’s diversity.
Save the dates | First Annual Brampton Book Week featured events
Writer in Residence Showcase
Celebrate Brampton Library and Brampton Arts Organization (BAO)’s Writer in Residence program! Meet local author, Kevin heronJones, alongside emerging writers and enjoy an evening of storytelling and light refreshments. Registration is free and required for participation in this event.
Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
Time: 6 pm
Location: Gore Meadows Library and Community Centre, 10150 The Gore Rd., Brampton, ON
Author Talk Series: Ian Williams
Celebrate local literary talent with Brampton Arts Walk of Fame inductee Ian Williams as he reads from his latest book, What I Mean to Say: Remaking Conversation in Our Time. Moderated by Jael Richardson, Executive Director of the FOLD, and presented in partnership with Brampton Library and Brampton On Stage. Registration is free and required for participation in this event.
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Cyril Clark Theatre, 20 Loafers Lake Ln., Brampton, ON
Spoken Word Showcase
Spoken word host The Wild Woman returns to The Rose Studio with a powerhouse lineup featuring Wali Shah, Lisa Shen, Patrick de Belen and Spitty. Tickets are $15 or included as part of the FOLD Festival Pass.
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: The Rose Studio, 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton, ON
Brampton Book Week is presented in collaboration with the City’s valued local cultural partners, including:
- Experience Brampton
- Brampton On Stage
- Brampton Library
- Brampton Arts Organization (BAO)
- Downtown Brampton BIA (DBBIA)
- Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD)
- Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA)
Supporting strong literacy skills and uplifting local literary voices are essential to building a more inclusive, connected and empowered community. Brampton is a vibrant literary hub and is home to renowned authors such as Ian Williams, Rupi Kaur and Rohinton Mistry. By celebrating local voices, the City is fostering a culture where every story matters and every resident can see themselves represented in the pages of a book.
For the full schedule and more information, visit experiencebrampton.ca/bookweek.
Quotes
“We are proud to launch Brampton’s first-ever Book Week, a celebration of storytelling, literacy and community. Strong literacy skills are vital to success, and this week of free events encourages residents and visitors of all ages to embrace reading and discover new voices. Thank you to our incredible partners for helping bring this exciting new initiative to life and for supporting the literary talent that thrives in our city. I encourage everyone to come out, take part in the festivities, and experience the joy of Brampton Book Week.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“Brampton Book Week is a powerful example of how arts, culture, and literacy come together to strengthen our community. As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Festival of Literary Diversity, a nationally recognized literary event born right here in Brampton, I am proud to support this initiative that amplifies local talent and celebrates the diverse voices that shape our city. I invite everyone to explore the events, connect with local storytellers, and celebrate the written word in all its forms.”
- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton
“Books ignite our imaginations. And that fire spreads from generation to generation every time you share a book. It’s like the Olympic torch. A good book serves as a promise between a writer and a reader. If you read this, writers say, you will understand the world – and yourself – a bit better. I am thrilled to be part of Brampton’s first annual Book Week. In this city, there are as many stories as there are lives.”
- Ian Williams, Brampton Arts Walk of Fame inductee and award-winning local author
